Saudi Arabia Gears Up for Downsized Hajj as Covid-19 Pandemic Bars Millions from Attending Pilgrimage
4 years, 7 months ago

Saudi Arabia Gears Up for Downsized Hajj as Covid-19 Pandemic Bars Millions from Attending Pilgrimage

News 18  

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday begins hosting the annual hajj pilgrimage, dramatically downscaled due to the coronavirus pandemic that has barred millions of international pilgrims for the first time in modern history. The foreign press are barred from this year's hajj, usually a huge global media event, as the government tightens access to the holy city of Mecca and puts in place strict health restrictions to prevent a virus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage -- a key pillar of Islam. - 'Golden ticket' - Saudi authorities initially said only around 1,000 pilgrims residing in the kingdom would be permitted for hajj but local media reports say as many as 10,000 will be allowed. Despite the pandemic, many pilgrims consider it is safer to participate in this year's ritual without the usual colossal crowds cramming into tiny religious sites, which make it a logistical nightmare and a health hazard.

Health Hajj Saudi Arabia Mecca Pilgrims Pilgrimage Saudi  ritual  gears  ministry  pilgrimage  saudi  health  hajj  pilgrims  bars  covid19  residents  downsized  millions  mecca  pandemic  attending

History of this topic

Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia’s new diktat BANS children from pilgrimage. Here’s why
1 month, 1 week ago

Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia’s new diktat BANS children from pilgrimage. Here’s why

Live Mint  

Hajj 2025: In a major development, Saudi Arabia has barred children from participating in the Hajj pilgrimage this year, citing safety concerns due to overcrowding. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that the decision aims to protect children from potential risks associated with severe overcrowding during Hajj. New Saudi visa rule To prevent overcrowding during the Hajj, Saudi …

Centre seeks names of Muslim doctors from states to accompany Hajj pilgrims
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Centre seeks names of Muslim doctors from states to accompany Hajj pilgrims

Live Mint  

New Delhi: The ministry of health and family welfare has written to states and Union territories, seeking names of serving Muslim male and female doctors as well as paramedics to accompany Indian Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. These medical professionals for Hajj medical deputation will help provide healthcare services in Saudi Arabia at facilities manned by Indian doctors. “The Hajj …

What went wrong with the Hajj pilgrimage this year? | Explained
8 months, 2 weeks ago

What went wrong with the Hajj pilgrimage this year? | Explained

The Hindu  

The story so far: Hajj, a gathering of nearly two million Muslim pilgrims, which falls in the last month of the Islamic calendar, has been in news again. The authorities issued Hajj visas to a little more than 18 lakh people but the Hajj was undertaken by over two million pilgrims. The Saudi authorities insisted that most pilgrims with valid …

Hajj: Deadly heatwaves kill over 1300 Muslims during holy pilgrimage, Saudi accuses travel agencies for deaths
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Hajj: Deadly heatwaves kill over 1300 Muslims during holy pilgrimage, Saudi accuses travel agencies for deaths

India TV News  

Cairo: The burnt of extreme climate change has taken the lives of more than 1,300 people during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform the Hajj rituals in and around the holy city of Mecca. …

Saudi Arabia says 1,301 people died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia says 1,301 people died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage

ABC  

In short: Saudi Arabia's health minister says more than 1,300 people have died during this years Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia's health minister says more than 1,300 people have died during this years Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1,300 people have died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage, according to Saudi Arabia's health minister. Almost 2 million people attended the pilgrimage to Mecca …

Saudi says 1,301 deaths occurred during hajj, mostly unregistered pilgrims
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Saudi says 1,301 deaths occurred during hajj, mostly unregistered pilgrims

Hindustan Times  

Saudi Arabia said Sunday that more than 1,300 faithful died during the hajj pilgrimage which took place during intense heat, and that most of the deceased did not have official permits. Medical team members evacuate a Muslim pilgrim, affected by the soarching heat, at the base of Mount Arafat during the annual hajj pilgrimage "Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached …

More than 1,300 people died during Hajj, many of them after walking in the scorching heat
8 months, 3 weeks ago

More than 1,300 people died during Hajj, many of them after walking in the scorching heat

Associated Press  

CAIRO — More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities announced Sunday. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances in soaring temperatures to perform …

Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid scorching temperatures
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Death toll at Hajj pilgrimage rises to 1,300 amid scorching temperatures

LA Times  

Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, on Monday during the annual Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. More than 1,300 people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced extreme high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, Saudi authorities said Sunday. Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel …

Climate change has made the Hajj pilgrimage more risky
9 months ago

Climate change has made the Hajj pilgrimage more risky

The Hindu  

Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world embark on the haj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The 2024 haj pilgrimage has been overshadowed by disaster/tragedy, with the death of at least 900 pilgrims, mostly due to heat exhaustion and related complications. High temperatures make mass gatherings riskier A study documenting deaths and injuries at mass gatherings up …

Australian among hundreds dead on Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
9 months ago

Australian among hundreds dead on Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia

ABC  

An Australian is among hundreds of people who have died while completing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Temperatures in high 40s recorded Hundreds of people had lined up at the Emergency Complex in Al-Muaisem neighbourhood in Mecca, trying to get information about their missing family members. Mr Ibrahim said there were support services for people completing the Hajj but …

Hundreds died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say
9 months ago

Hundreds died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Hundreds of people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced intense high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, officials said Wednesday as people tried to claim their loved ones’ bodies. Khalid Bashir Bazaz, an Indian pilgrim, speaking near the Grand Mosque on Wednesday, said he “saw a …

Hundreds died during Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say
9 months ago

Hundreds died during Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say

LA Times  

Muslim pilgrims shield themselves against the sun with umbrellas as they attend the annual Hajj in Mina, near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Hundreds of people died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as the faithful faced intense high temperatures at Islamic holy sites in the desert kingdom, officials said Wednesday as people tried to claim their loved …

At least 550 Hajj pilgrims die in scorching temperatures and thousands more treated for heat stress
9 months ago

At least 550 Hajj pilgrims die in scorching temperatures and thousands more treated for heat stress

ABC  

In short: At least 550 pilgrims from Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Iran and Senegal have died during this year's hajj as temperatures have soared to over 50 degrees Celsius. At least 550 pilgrims from Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Iran and Senegal have died during this year's hajj as temperatures have soared to over 50 degrees Celsius. At least 550 pilgrims have died …

Amid soaring temperatures, cooling systems in Mecca bring some relief to Hajj pilgrims I VIDEO
9 months ago

Amid soaring temperatures, cooling systems in Mecca bring some relief to Hajj pilgrims I VIDEO

India TV News  

Water misting systems were being used near Arafat Mount in Saudi Arabia to relieve pilgrims from the soaring heat which has coincided with this year's Hajj pilgrimage. Around Al-Rahma hill, tall water-misting columns were spraying water on pilgrims who gathered at Mount Arafat as part of the Hajj rituals for day-long worship and reflection. “We consume lot of cold water, …

Hajj 2024: In Mecca’s sweltering heat, Muslims start this year’s Hajj pilgrimage
9 months, 1 week ago

Hajj 2024: In Mecca’s sweltering heat, Muslims start this year’s Hajj pilgrimage

The Hindu  

In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in Mecca converged on a vast tent camp in the desert on June 14, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have already amassed in and around Mecca for the Hajj, and the number was still growing as more pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia joined. “They deprived …

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas war
9 months, 1 week ago

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas war

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in the Saudi city of Mecca converged on a vast desert tent camp Friday, officially starting the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Muslim pilgrims arrive at the Mina tent camp during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Friday, June 14, 2024. Pilgrims leave after offering prayers outside …

In Mecca's sweltering heat, Muslims start this year's Hajj pilgrimage
9 months, 1 week ago

In Mecca's sweltering heat, Muslims start this year's Hajj pilgrimage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims …

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the destructive Israel-Hamas war
9 months, 1 week ago

Muslims start the Hajj against the backdrop of the destructive Israel-Hamas war

New Indian Express  

SAUDI ARABIA: In sweltering temperatures, Muslim pilgrims in Mecca converged on a vast tent camp in the desert on Friday, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world have already amassed in and around Mecca for the Hajj, and the number was still growing as more pilgrims from inside Saudi Arabia joined. This …

Millions start Hajj in shadow of Israel’s war on Gaza
9 months, 1 week ago

Millions start Hajj in shadow of Israel’s war on Gaza

Al Jazeera  

Rituals expected to draw more than two million pilgrims this year, praying for peace in Gaza, Yemen and Sudan. More than 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims have gathered in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca for the start of Hajj, taking place this year against the harrowing backdrop of Israel’s continued onslaught on the Gaza Strip. The annual pilgrimage began on Friday with crowds …

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Muslims Reach Saudi Arabia’s Mecca For Annual Hajj
9 months, 1 week ago

Over 1.5 Million Foreign Muslims Reach Saudi Arabia’s Mecca For Annual Hajj

News 18  

Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca ahead of the start of the Hajj later this week, as the annual pilgrimage returns to its monumental scale. Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the country by Tuesday, the vast majority by air, from across the world. Saudi officials have said …

Hajj 2024: More than 1.5 million foreign Muslims arrive in Mecca
9 months, 1 week ago

Hajj 2024: More than 1.5 million foreign Muslims arrive in Mecca

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca ahead of the start of the Hajj later this week, as the annual pilgrimage returns to its monumental scale. Muslim pilgrims arrive to offer prayers at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Muslim pilgrims …

What’s the Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, and why is it significant for Muslims?
9 months, 1 week ago

What’s the Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, and why is it significant for Muslims?

Associated Press  

Once a year, Muslim pilgrims flowing into Saudi Arabia unite in a series of religious rituals and acts of worship as they perform the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam. Communally, Hajj unites Muslims of diverse races, ethnicities, languages and economic classes from around the world in performing religious rituals and acts of worshipping God at the same time …

Saudi Arabia eyes aviation expansion to get in on crucial tourism market
1 year, 7 months ago

Saudi Arabia eyes aviation expansion to get in on crucial tourism market

Al Jazeera  

Making up for lost time, the kingdom is moving to challenge regional players, attract travellers and boost its income. “The government is highly committed to the sector’s development – and it knows that with Saudi Arabia’s incredible and diverse landscapes, tourism could be big,” Phillips told Al Jazeera. But Saudi Arabia’s plans to build over King Khalid International, which has …

This year’s Hajj was held in sweltering heat, and for those serving pilgrims there was little relief
1 year, 8 months ago

This year’s Hajj was held in sweltering heat, and for those serving pilgrims there was little relief

Associated Press  

MINA, Saudi Arabia — As hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims walked in the footsteps of the prophets beneath a sweltering sun, contracted cleaners in lime-green jumpsuits held out matching plastic bags to collect their empty water bottles. It takes tens of thousands of cleaners, security personnel, medics and others to make the annual Hajj pilgrimage possible for 1.8 million …

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage
1 year, 8 months ago

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage

Hindustan Times  

2 million pilgrims expected at this year's annual Hajj pilgrimage Muslim pilgrims in Mecca circled the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage on Monday.. 1 / 8 View Photos in a new improved layout Muslim pilgrims pray around the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, …

Hajj returns to maximum capacity after coronavirus pandemic
1 year, 8 months ago

Hajj returns to maximum capacity after coronavirus pandemic

Al Jazeera  

Muslim pilgrims in Mecca circled the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, and then converged on a vast tent camp in the nearby desert, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage, returning to its maximum capacity for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. So far, more than 1.8 million pilgrims from all over the world have already amassed in and around Mecca …

Hajj pilgrimage attendance is set to hit a post-COVID record. Here's why millions travel to Mecca for the annual ritual
1 year, 8 months ago

Hajj pilgrimage attendance is set to hit a post-COVID record. Here's why millions travel to Mecca for the annual ritual

ABC  

More than 1.8 million pilgrims from all over the world have already amassed in and around Mecca for the Hajj. Muslim pilgrims in Mecca have circled the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, and then converged on a vast tent camp in the nearby desert, officially opening the annual Hajj pilgrimage. A once in a lifetime experience for many Egyptian businessman Yehya …

Who gets to do Hajj in Saudi Arabia?
1 year, 8 months ago

Who gets to do Hajj in Saudi Arabia?

Hindustan Times  

The Hajj, a religious pilgrimage for Muslims and one of the largest gatherings of humans on Earth, begins in Saudi Arabia on June 26 and ends July 1. Almost 1.5 million pilgrims are already in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj. However, there are around 2 billion Muslims around the world and given the numbers involved, it would be impossible …

‘Largest Hajj pilgrimage in history’ begins in Saudi Arabia
1 year, 8 months ago

‘Largest Hajj pilgrimage in history’ begins in Saudi Arabia

Al Jazeera  

The number of pilgrims this year is expected to break records at more than 2.5 million. The pilgrimage of Hajj has begun as crowds of Muslims donning white robes circle the Kaaba, the cubed structure at the epicentre of Islam’s holiest site, their prayers ringing through the air. The annual pilgrimage began on Sunday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia with the …

Inflation and economic crises strain pilgrims in this year's Hajj, putting it out of reach for some
1 year, 8 months ago

Inflation and economic crises strain pilgrims in this year's Hajj, putting it out of reach for some

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. With people balking at the costs, a few countries struggled to fill …

Inflation and economic crises strain pilgrims in this year’s Hajj, putting it out of reach for some
1 year, 8 months ago

Inflation and economic crises strain pilgrims in this year’s Hajj, putting it out of reach for some

Associated Press  

CAIRO — Saudi Arabia is hosting its biggest Hajj pilgrimage in three years, starting Monday. With people balking at the costs, a few countries struggled to fill their quota of pilgrims this year, a startling sign when demand usually outstrips the supply of pilgrimage spots many times over. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia barred foreign pilgrims in 2020 …

Global economic crises put this year’s Hajj out of reach for some pilgrims
1 year, 8 months ago

Global economic crises put this year’s Hajj out of reach for some pilgrims

LA Times  

A pilgrim buys a money belt at a Hajj training center in Karachi, Pakistan, on Monday. But for many pilgrims and others who couldn’t make it, global inflation and economic crises made it more of a strain to carry out Islam’s spiritual trip of a lifetime. But for many pilgrims, and for many others who couldn’t make it, global inflation …

Ambitious Saudi plans to ramp up Hajj could face challenges from climate change
1 year, 9 months ago

Ambitious Saudi plans to ramp up Hajj could face challenges from climate change

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to welcome millions more pilgrims to Islam’s holiest sites. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s wide-ranging plan to overhaul the kingdom’s economy, known as Vision 2030, 30 million pilgrims would take part in the Hajj and Umrah — a smaller, year-round pilgrimage. A 2019 study by experts at the Massachusetts Institute …

From war-torn northern Syria to Mecca for Hajj
1 year, 9 months ago

From war-torn northern Syria to Mecca for Hajj

Al Jazeera  

Idlib, Syria – Pilgrims from northwestern Syria have streamed through border crossings with Turkey – Bab al-Hawa, Bab al-Salamah, and Tel Abyad – heading to Gaziantep’s airport to board flights to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj. The Bab al-Hawa administration started receiving pilgrims at the departure lounge on June 15, where their documents are verified, bags are inspected, and …

Go First insolvency: Centre re-allocates Haj flights to IndiGo, Saudi carriers
1 year, 10 months ago

Go First insolvency: Centre re-allocates Haj flights to IndiGo, Saudi carriers

Live Mint  

The government has decided to re-allocate the Haj flights that were to be operated by crisis-hit Go First from 10 Indian cities to IndiGo and two Saudi Arabian airlines, a senior official said on Thursday. After discussions in the wake of the Go First crisis, the civil aviation ministry has decided to reallocate the flights for the Haj pilgrimage that …

Hajj pilgrimage to be more affordable as govt set to reduce its prices I CHECK DETAILS
2 years, 1 month ago

Hajj pilgrimage to be more affordable as govt set to reduce its prices I CHECK DETAILS

India TV News  

In a major respite to the devotees planning for Hajj pilgrims, the Government of India is likely to decrease the cost of the pilgrimage significantly this year. Besides, the sources claimed that the application for the Hajj pilgrimage will also be free this year. This time the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage will be cheaper by about Rs 50,000 per …

Saudi Arabia: Hajj pilgrimage returning to pre-COVID levels
2 years, 2 months ago

Saudi Arabia: Hajj pilgrimage returning to pre-COVID levels

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Islam’s annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia will return to pre-pandemic levels this year after restrictions saw the annual religious commemoration curtailed over concerns about the coronavirus, authorities say. But in 2020, amid the lockdowns sparked by the pandemic, Saudi Arabia drastically curtailed the hajj with as as few as 1,000 residents of Saudi Arabia …

Saudi Arabia: Hajj pilgrimage returning to pre-COVID levels
2 years, 2 months ago

Saudi Arabia: Hajj pilgrimage returning to pre-COVID levels

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Islam's annual hajj pilgrimage in …

Hajj 2023: Saudi Arabia Lifts Restrictions For Pilgrims This Year. Know What Has Changed
2 years, 2 months ago

Hajj 2023: Saudi Arabia Lifts Restrictions For Pilgrims This Year. Know What Has Changed

ABP News  

Saudi Arabia announced lifting a number of restrictions on Hajj pilgrims, implemented due to covid-19, this year which may lead to a significant rise in the number of annual visitors. “Number of Hajj pilgrims in 1444H will return to how it was before the Coronavirus pandemic without age restrictions," the Ministry's official Twitter quoted him as saying during the opening …

Saudi Arabia removes restrictions for Hajj pilgrims - Here’s what has changed
2 years, 2 months ago

Saudi Arabia removes restrictions for Hajj pilgrims - Here’s what has changed

Live Mint  

Saudi Arabia has announced a host of changes for Hajj pilgrims that is likely to increase the visitors' tally significantly. “Number of Hajj pilgrims in 1444H will return to how it was before the Coronavirus pandemic without age restrictions,” the Ministry's official Twitter handle quoted him as saying during the opening of Hajj Expo 2023. Details available on India's official …

Saudi Arabia: Hajj pilgrimage returning to pre-Covid numbers
2 years, 2 months ago

Saudi Arabia: Hajj pilgrimage returning to pre-Covid numbers

India Today  

Islam’s annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia will return to pre-pandemic levels this year after restrictions saw the annual religious commemoration curtailed over concerns about the coronavirus, authorities say. But in 2020, amid the lockdowns sparked by the pandemic, Saudi Arabia drastically curtailed the hajj with as as few as 1,000 residents of Saudi Arabia permitted to take part. Saudi …

Hajj to return to pre-COVID numbers, Saudi Arabia officials say
2 years, 2 months ago

Hajj to return to pre-COVID numbers, Saudi Arabia officials say

Al Jazeera  

During the pandemic in 2020, only about 1,000 residents were allowed to perform the Muslim pilgrimage. Islam’s annual Hajj pilgrimage will return to pre-pandemic levels this year after restrictions saw the annual religious commemoration curtailed over coronavirus concerns, Saudi authorities say. Before the pandemic, the pilgrimage drew millions each year to Islam’s holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, home …

How will the haj change as global temperatures rise?
2 years, 3 months ago

How will the haj change as global temperatures rise?

The Economist  

Christmas Specials | Hot spot How will the haj change as global temperatures rise? Maximum wet-bulb temperatures around Mecca, °C Projected daily average by month 18 24 26 28 29.5 20 22 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090 Jan Months of the haj Jun Danger Extreme danger Dec *CMIP5 multi-model mean based on current emissions trajectory Sources: WMO …

Muslim pilgrims cast pebbles in ritualistic 'stoning of the devil' as almost million-strong hajj winds down
2 years, 8 months ago

Muslim pilgrims cast pebbles in ritualistic 'stoning of the devil' as almost million-strong hajj winds down

Firstpost  

The hajj, usually one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings, is among the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken by all Muslims with the means at least once in their lives Mina, Saudi Arabia: Muslim pilgrims cast pebbles in the “stoning of the devil” ritual marking the start of the Eid al-Adha holiday on Saturday, as this …

Hajj 2022: One Million Pilgrims Visit Mecca After 2 Years Of Covid-19 Pandemic
2 years, 8 months ago

Hajj 2022: One Million Pilgrims Visit Mecca After 2 Years Of Covid-19 Pandemic

ABP News  

New Delhi: A million pilgrims from around the world gathered in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the initial rites of the hajj on Thursday, marking it the largest since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to AFP. However, it is lesser than the number of pilgrims seen in 2019, when about 2.5 million people took part in …

A hajj closer to normal: 1 million Muslims begin pilgrimage
2 years, 8 months ago

A hajj closer to normal: 1 million Muslims begin pilgrimage

Associated Press  

MECCA, Saudi Arabia — It is a scene that stirs hope — and relief — for Muslims around the world. A million pilgrims from across the globe gathered on Thursday in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the initial rites of the hajj, marking the largest Islamic pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic upended the annual event …

Photos: One million Muslims start Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca
2 years, 8 months ago

Photos: One million Muslims start Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca

Al Jazeera  

Pilgrims gathered for dawn prayers and performed the initial rites of the Hajj on Thursday in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca, in the largest Islamic pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic upended the event – one of the five pillars of Islam. Pilgrims spend several days carrying out a series of rituals intended to bring them closer to God, walking …

One million set to perform Hajj as COVID-19 restrictions ease
2 years, 8 months ago

One million set to perform Hajj as COVID-19 restrictions ease

Al Jazeera  

International pilgrims will perform the annual ritual for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. After a two-year absence, international pilgrims will perform the yearly Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia for the first time starting Wednesday, after previously being restricted amid the kingdom’s battle to curb the coronavirus pandemic. However, she added: “With the requirements the …

Saudi welcomes 1 million for biggest hajj pilgrimage since pandemic
2 years, 8 months ago

Saudi welcomes 1 million for biggest hajj pilgrimage since pandemic

Deccan Chronicle  

MECCA: White-robed worshippers from across the world have packed the streets of Mecca as Islam's holiest city prepares to host the biggest hajj pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic. In 2019, about 2.5 million people took part in the rituals, which include circling the Kaaba, the imposing black cube at Mecca's Grand Mosque, gathering at Mount Arafat and "stoning the devil" …

British Muslim tour operators face liquidation following changes to Saudi Hajj
2 years, 8 months ago

British Muslim tour operators face liquidation following changes to Saudi Hajj

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Those who have already booked through one of the approximately 120 British tour operators previously approved by the Saudi Ministry …

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